Matt Smith leaving 'Doctor Who'

Matt Smith has announced he is leaving 'Doctor Who' after four years later this year

Matt Smith is leaving 'Doctor Who'.

The BBC has confirmed the 30-year-old actor, who received a BAFTA Award nomination in 2011 for his role as the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor in the British television series, will leave the role at the end of this year after starring in the 50th Anniversary on November 23 and the Christmas special.

Matt, who has played the Doctor for four years, issued a statement, thanking his colleagues and fans for their support.

He said: "'Doctor Who' has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I'm incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver 'Doctor Who' to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.

"The fans of 'Doctor Who' around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I've never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I'm back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!

"It's been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with 'the ginger, the nose and the impossible one'. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt."

Lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat praised the actor for rising to the challenges of the role and said the search is now on for his replacement.

He said: "Of course, this isn't the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now - all unknowing, just going about their business - is someone who's about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and 'Doctor Who' will be born all over again! After 50 years, that's still so exciting!"